Occasionally I meet young Rochesterians who are frustrated that our community does not offer as many opportunities for unique experiences as more sizable cities. While a city of ten million undoubtedly has more going on than our mere one million, there are in fact numerous opportunities in Rochester, and getting involved in them is easier than one might think.

Rochester is home to many organizations and individuals that are eager to include new participants that express an interest in what they’re doing. These organizations and leaders in our community are highly accessible, easily reached by an email, phone call, or simply introducing yourself at a regular meeting. Contrast this to larger metropolitan areas, where merely getting your foot in the door is a difficult feat and many opportunities essentially require a formal introduction. Many of Rochester’s community leaders are approachable, and even broadcast their opportunities to the general population. To get involved, all it takes is a show of interest and a little initiative.

Rotarian team leader Tim King (standing) bringing together the five exchange participants.

Now five highly diverse young professionals – (from left to right in picture) Matt Campbell of Harris RF Communications, Nikisha Ridgeway of Heritage Christian Services, Tiffany Paine-Cirrincione of Habitat for Humanity, J.B. Afoh Manin of the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, and James Cronkwright of Towpath Bike Shop - are gearing up for a month-long cultural and vocational program in February designed specifically for young professionals. They will be traveling around the Philippines, visiting numerous towns, meeting with public officials, living with host families, and visiting with local businesses relevant to each of their professions to discuss best practices and exchange ideas.

Hearing about this program caused me to pause and read up on Rotary International. I had seen their emblem around but never knew exactly what they were about. For those who are not familiar, Rotary International is essentially a group of professionals who come together around the motto ”Service above self,” and work to enrich their home communities and have an international impact as well. Rochester Rotary Club is celebrating 100 years of service, as it was founded in 1912 as the 36th club of Rotary International. While Rotary International is not unique to Rochester, the 350 member Rochester Rotary Club definitely seems to be yet another great community-oriented organization making an impact in our city.

When I meet young professionals who express dissatisfaction with their career progression, my first response is to ask how they distinguish themselves in their field. Getting involved with unique programs and well-known organizations is a great way to set yourself apart from the crowd. By having an interesting experience to talk about in an interview, or
having developed a relationship with a person or group that is widely respected, you position yourself as someone who adds substance to a group, giving you an edge over those who do not.

Because Rochester is a relatively small city, unique opportunities are less profuse, but are much easier to take advantage of once found. Rochester has a culture of community engagement and collaboration, and that dynamic can be harnessed by young professionals in a very powerful way. So if you are looking for a new way to get involved, stay tuned to the RYP Weekly Newsletter, Google search to find those individuals and organizations in Rochester that are active in your field of interest, and take advantage of living in a city full of open doors.

The Rochester's Young Professionals blog is the place to look for the latest updates on the young professionals scene in Rochester, from career advice to networking events.

Contributors

Kate McGowan is a former Rochester television news reporter now working in the non-profit sector for the nation’s leading children’s charity, Make-A-Wish. She is passionate about inspiring young professionals to use their talents in becoming more actively involved in their communities. Follow her on Twitter at @KateMcGowan

Toni Lynn Arena: I am a digital media specialist by day and a fitness loving, animal activist by night. When I'm not working on self-improvement inside and out, I work with other philanthropists to build awareness within the young professional community and help make a difference.

Andrea Raethka earned a bachelor's in History, Sociology and Women's Studies from the College of Brockport. She is a mother of three young children and is always up for exploring new places for kiddie play dates. She enjoys good food, local shopping and keeping up to date on news, politics and public school issues. Find Andrea on Twitter: @Mango1531.

Ashley Dewey is an internet marketing blogger from Victor who shares thoughts about life and pets.

Audrey Burns is a reader, writer and full-time nostalgist who writes about cultural and social issues in Rochester.

Cynthia Pacia shares thoughts about giving and living in the Rochester area.

Eastman Young Professionals share the latest happenings at George Eastman House.

Habitat for Humanity Young Professionals share life and non-profit experiences, and their journey within Rochester’s changing landscape.

Jason Schwingle is a native of Rochester. He shares his thoughts and ideas on bringing young professionals back to Rochester and to downtown.

Jenna Kempie is the Social Media Chair for the Rochester Young Professionals, and is contributing posts on RYP activities and other helpful insights for young professionals in the community. Jenna enjoys getting out and exploring the area, and talking to people about their Rochester experiences, print and technology - on and offline. Follow Jenna on Twitter: @JennaKempie

Jennifer Galvez Caton is an active arts volunteer who shares her passion and perspective on theater, film, dance and music with young professionals in the Rochester area.

Jerome Nathaniel is a 2011 graduate of the University of Rochester, where he was an executive editor for the Campus Times and a service fellow with the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Now, the Brooklyn native has returned to Rochester as an Americorp Vista at Foodlink, where he's serving as a hunger advocate.

Kayleigh Nutting is a non-profit professional that came to Rochester for college and never left. She is a graduate student and works full time planning special events and fundraising. Follow her as she writes about kicking back, giving back and appreciating the Flower City.

Kristine Caronna, a young professional blogger from Greece, shares her thoughts and updates.

Leah Shearer is a young professional and two-time cancer survivor from Rochester. She shares her unique perspective on all things - the serious, the silly and everything in between.

Luticha Doucette is a student researcher, activist and humanist who sees the world from a seated position. She chronicles life as a disable person seeking a PhD. position in biophysics at Yale or John Hopkins universities, and beyond.

Maria Thomas is the chair of RocCity Coalition, who is passionate about education and the needs of city youth. She writes about various opportunities for young professionals to get involved in the community.

Olga Podzorov is an agent with Nothnagle Realtors. She is a community activist and passionate philanthropist who is committed to working with young professionals. She covers a variety of real estate issues.

Ruth Harper-Rhode, a St. Bonaventure University graduate, does public relations for a local nonprofit. She moved to Rochester from a small city in 2011 and lived on Park Ave before moving to Penfield, where she currently resides.

Terra Keller sends updates from the staff at Foodlink, a popular regional food bank.

Stefanie Schwingle is a Rochester native and has worked at Wegmans Corporation for the past 10 years, but her interests lie in entrepreneurship and communication and her passions include urban living, photography, and cooking. Stefanie lives downtown with her husband and loves everyday life in the city.

Taren Greenidge earned her B.A. in Economics and Political Science, cum laude, in 2007 from Spelman College and her J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2010. She is an associate at Littler Mendelson, P.C, a U.S.-based international law firm exclusively devoted to representing management in every aspect of labor and employment law. Taren is the president of the Black Young Professionals of Rochester, an auxiliary of the Urban League of Rochester, N.Y., Inc., which targets individuals ages 21 through 40 to foster growth and professional development, to empower members to achieve success and to strive to improve the community.